Another lil' peek at the progress in the kitchen

   
     At what seems like a snails pace, I am forging ahead, working on getting my kitchen completely painted, cupboards and all. Getting the room perked up and personalized. Progress is  s l o w. I keep procrastinating on finishing the paint job on all the cupboards for some reason. *sigh* So many cupboards, so little time.
    Besides a lot of cupboards to paint, there was the hutch to re-do for the nook area of the kitchen. (I took this as an opportunity to take yet another break from priming the cupboards...) 
    I got this beauty from Craigslist several months ago for $50.(I was still living in my old house then) It was in mint condition, great lines and detail, but still in the original dark oak, screaming 1986, looking all country/colonial.

Here is a photo of the hutch when I first dragged it into my kitchen to make sure I would like it in there. It initially had 4 glass doors up top there, but I removed two of them, along with the middle wood frame, to give it a new look that would make things displayed on the shelf of the hutch more visible.
    I bought it before I ever knew I would be moving, and was planning to paint it white and antique it. The plan was to then, put this hutch in my shop, but once I moved into my cottage I realized that I had the perfect spot for it in my kitchen. Yippie!
    You see, originally this space in the kitchen nook was a big coat closet/pantry with hideous 1966 bi-fold doors. (Mmm hmm, real attractive if you know what I mean.) I decided to rip this weird closet and it's dated doors out and just let the space be part of the room. (this led to repainting the room, and the cupboards...it's quite a tangled web I wove...) Anyhow, that's when I realized that this hutch was exactly the perfect size for the "used-to-be-a-closet-alcove" in the kitchen nook.

   

    The kitchen cupboards are all going to be white and antiqued, so I decided to paint the hutch black to give the kitchen some *pop* and a bit of sophistication. (I still need to rough sand the edges slightly for a more vintage look) I love it, I love it, I love it!! It is charming and it has mega storage. Look at all those drawers. Yes indeed-y, I love it. Did I already say that? (Well, it bears repeating.) I finished painting the bottom piece to the hutch last week and the Maid of Honor helped me move the bottom piece in last Sunday. Then I had the newlyweds help bring in the top piece a few days later when I got that part done.
    It's fabulous, even if I do say so myself. *another sigh* Oh, how I love re-inventing thrifted pieces.

Comments

[Crystal]

WOW !!! Another amazing makeover:)

[Leigh Ann]

You really have a gift. Just gorgeous!

Love the words to live by, too. Really hits home.

Cheers! LA

[HeatherJ]

Snail's pace . . . try warp speed!!! It would take me 10 years to catch up to you, girl. The hutch is absolutely gorgeous. I really love what you did with it, and the black paint does it justice.

[Cindy]

Where are you getting this energy?? Don't wear yourself out.

[PresentPast Collection]

Ok, now you're just the Painting Queen of Blogland. It's your official title! I think you need a show on the DIY network or maybe HGTV. You could show them a thing or two with a paintbrush!

[lbpsews]

Wow, your hutch is beautiful! And your floors are beautiful too. I love your blog.

[Bride to be]

I can't wait to come home this weekend and see it all in person. I may have to conduct an intervention regarding your diet pepsi. (It seems you are moving a little fast and I know that the true drug that drives you is that soda!) I wish I had half the energy you have. Looking great mom..Love you..

[Dori]

Storage and charm! Way better than bi-fold doors! Bravo! :)

[Jean]

The hutch is wonderful! Love it painted black and what a super fit!

[Lucinda]

You are amazing with paint.
That looks like an overwhelming project to sand and paint a piece like that but again you are a Doer!

[Mrs G]

and I just saw your hutch's twin at the GW this past weekend...walked right past with my nose turned up in the hair because it was horrible looking...and now I'm kicking myself :)

Good job on that hutch...it just looks mah-velous :)

[cindy]

I've been looking for a hutch to paint also. You got a great deal for $50! The ones I've seen at thrift stores are around $200-$300 at least! Boy, I thought I was a workaholic at home but you have me beat. I don't know how you do all this! You are amazing and such an insiration.

[clarice]

Tracey, I am sooooo impressed with your kitchen and all the work you are doing. It is so charming and ohh my gosh that hutch. Love it. Clarice

[Teresa Sheeley]

Darn girl, I have to say you fascinate me with all your talents! Very inspiring!!! I am still trying to get the courage to tackle those oak cupboards of mine!! Thanks for sharing all you do with us!

Teresa
xo

[Carol]

Wow, wow, wow!! That hutch is to die for!!
Carol
http://ourreddoor.blogspot.com

[joyce]

It is fabulous! Perfect for the space and the black is just right. My to do list has a ton of painting on it this week and I still don't think it has as much as you are doing!

[Becca]

That is fabulous! I have an 80's dresser that I'm planning to do the same thing with -- well, except in creamy white.
Any advice before I forge ahead? Did you sand first or just Kilz it?
Love it!! :)

[Kim]

WOWEE!!! Nice job! This gives me such inspiration!

[Tricia]

oh my, i am impressed. it is so beautiful. what a great job you've done!

may i please ask for some tips as to how you did the painting, ie, how much sanding, did you prime, did you use oil paint, how many coats, did you do a topcoat? sorry for the barrage of inquiries but i have a couple pieces of furniture i really want to paint in black and maybe one in red, and i want to do it right the first time. the first project is a sweet little teacart which has an oak finish i am not at all fond of. thank you for any advice!

[The Decorated House]

You chose the perfect accent to your cupboards. That hutch looks fabulous! What a great kitchen you are creating in your home.
Donna

[Tracey]

Thanks to all of you for posting on my Blog and thanks for the compliments! It took me total about 3 hours to paint the hutch(not counting drying time between coats etc)
If you look at my post on February 12 you will see complete directions on how I paint my furniture (And cupboards..)
I know what you mean about being "over it"...it is taking me forever to get the darned kitchen cupboards done! We just need to remember the end result is soooo worth it.
Thanks again for all the kind words...

[Aimee Grenke]

This looks great ! Did you use a grey spray primer ? I love your home, it looks so cozy. Thanks !
Aimee

[hallaren]

Please share HOW you got all that yucky, thick formica-like finish off of the hutch. So often I see pieces (faux Ethan Allen) at the Rescue Mission shop that I would love to save and transform with paint, but become disheartened at the thought of removing layers of shellac and over-poly'd finish.

Love your CAN DO attitude and how you choose black for the hutch.

Thank you

[Breanna]

I recently found your blog, and am now addicted. Your wonderful attitude and gorgeous projects inspire me. Ever since I saw this post, I have had hutches on my mind. We have a similar pantry area that I don't love. I'm keeping my eyes open for a hutch now. Thanks for the idea!